The Everything ECE Podcast
Episodes
#234: From ‘Why Them?’ to ‘What About Me?’: Reclaiming Curiosity as an Educator
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We often talk about curiosity in early childhood education. how we encourage it in children, how we observe it, and how we support it through play and...
#233: What Toddlers Know We’ve Forgotten with Dr. Hasan Merali
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We spend so much time thinking about how to guide, teach, and support young children…But what if we paused - and asked what they’re teaching us?In...
#232: The 10-Second Pause: A Powerful Strategy in the Classroom
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In early childhood education, it’s natural to want to step in right away to help children solve problems. But sometimes the most powerful thing an e...
#231: What Children’s Behaviour Is Really Telling Us with Gretchen Camp
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward sits down with early childhood developmental educator Gretchen Camp to explore what might re...
#230: 5 Reasons Food and Screen Time Don’t Mix (And Why We Need to Protect the Table)
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward dives into an important conversation about screen use during mealtimes in early childhood pr...
#229: Introverts, Extroverts & Big Feelings: The Power of Story in the Classroom with Christine Devane
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with children’s author and former teacher Christine Devane to explore how storytellin...
#228: Why It’s Ok to Let Children Struggle (And Why That Is Not the Same as Suffering)
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When we talk about letting children struggle, it often makes people uncomfortable. And for good reason. No one wants children to suffer.But struggle a...
#227: Classroom Environments That Support Independence, Regulation, and Learning with Jennifer Fernandez
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How does your classroom environment shape children’s behaviour, independence, and learning?In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits...
#226: Breaking the Praise Loop
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Praise is so normalized in early childhood education that we rarely stop to question it. It feels supportive, encouraging, and positive. But over time...
#225: How to Build a Community Classroom with Donna Skea
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How to Build a Community Classroom with Donna SkeaWhat makes children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn in early childhood programs? In this ep...
#224: 3 Ways to Turn Family Communication Into Collaboration
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Families aren’t our opposition; they’re our partners. In this episode, Carla Ward explores three actionable ways educators can turn everyday commu...
#223: Building H.E.A.R.T.-Centered ECE Teams with Monica Rollins
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Wellbeing consultant Monica Rollins, founder of Rooted Wellness Collective, joins Carla to explore what it really takes to move beyond burnout in Earl...
#222: Declaring Your Abundance in 2026
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What does abundance really mean, and how can you call more of it into your life this year? In this inspiring episode, Carla explores how educators and...
#221# Addressing the Staffing Crisis in ECE with Paul Buckley
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Carla sits down with Paul Buckley, former preschool teacher and founder of Ratio Staffing, to explore what’s really happening behin...
#220 Celebrating Small Wins in ECE
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Carla explores what meaningful progress truly looks like in early childhood education: the subtle, powerful shifts that happen long b...
#219: AI in Education with Thomas Thompson
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AI isn’t here to replace educators; it’s here to support us. In this episode, Carla sits down with Thomas Thompson, co-founder and CEO of Eduaide....
#218: The Art of Transitions
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Transitions get a bad reputation: rushed, chaotic, stressful. But they don’t have to be. In this episode, Carla explores a powerful mindset shift: t...
#217: Why Every Educator Needs a Website (Even If You’re Not a Business Owner) with Chelsea Denny
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Think websites are just for business owners? Think again.In this episode, Carla chats with Chelsea Denny, founder of Early Childhood Creative, about w...
#216: Reframing Conflict
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Conflict doesn’t have to be scary or negative. In this short and powerful episode, Carla explores how reframing conflict can transform classroom cha...
#215: Not Just Cute: Why Play is Powerful, Not Just Pretty with Amanda Morgan
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Play isn’t just cute. It’s critical. In this episode, Carla sits down with Amanda Morgan, educator, author, and founder of Not Just Cute, to uncov...
#214: 5 Documentation Strategies to Bring ECE Learning to Life
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if your documentation could do more than check a box?In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward shares 5 documentation strategies ...
#213: Navigating Stress in Early Childhood Education with Cameile Henry
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stress shows up in our work, but it doesn’t have to take over.In this episode, Carla Ward sits down with Cameile Henry, award-winning author and CEO...
#212: The 4 Words Holding Children Back
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are four little words that we, as educators, use far more often than we realize — and they might be quietly holding children back.These words ...
#211: All In for Early Learning with Dawn Montecalvo
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful episode, Carla welcomes Dawn Montecalvo, CEO of the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, Florida, to discuss what it really means to go all...
#210: The Magic of Zero to Three with Rebecca Parlakian from Zero to Three
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with Rebecca Parlakian, child development and parenting specialist at ZERO TO THREE, to...
#209: The Power of Educators as Coaches with Debbi Sluys
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this engaging conversation, Debbie shares her journey as an early childhood educator and how her experiences have shaped her understanding of the p...
#208: Language of Encouragement
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The words we choose with children matter more than we realize. In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward explores The Language of Enco...
#207: Adaptability in Early Childhood: Humanizing Practice, Real Resilience, and Kindness with Kisa Marx
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it look like to truly humanize early learning? In this rich conversation with Kisa Marx. We unpack why adaptability is now a core competency...
#206: The Hidden Curriculum in Early Childhood
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Your classroom is always teaching, even when you’re not speaking. In this episode, Carla Ward explores the concept of the “hidden curriculum” th...
#205: Children’s Rights in Action: Why Participation Matters with Marta Skrzypczak
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Children aren’t the future- they’re people of today.In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward sits down with Marta Skrzypczak, edu...
#204: Routines vs. Schedules: Why Rhythm Matters More Than the Clock
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Back-to-school means new faces, new energy, and new opportunities to set the tone. But are we over-focusing on the schedule and missing the real magic...
#203: Social Emotional Learning Starts with Us with Prerna Richards
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why does social emotional learning need to start with us as educators? In this thought-provoking conversation with Prerna Richards of Together We Grow...
#202: Purposeful Planning
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to plan in early childhood education with calm, connection, and intention. In this episode, Carla Ward shares ECE planning tips for merging ...
#201: Early Language Learning in ECE with Meeghan Carter
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with Meeghan Carter, a bilingual educator with over 25 years of experience, to explore ...
#200: 200th Episode Celebration: 10 Expert Voices Shaping the Future of ECE
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the 200th episode of The Everything ECE Podcast! To celebrate, I’m bringing you a roundup of powerful insights from 10 incredible expert gues...
#199: Identifying Literacy Challenges in Early Childhood
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered if we’re identifying literacy challenges early enough in young children? In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla...
#198: How Intergenerational Teams Elevate Early Childhood Education
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla explores the power and potential of intergenerational teams in early childhood education. With mu...
197: Developing an Art Mindset with Cathy Belgrave
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this heart-opening conversation, Carla Ward sits down with Cathy Belgrave, host of The Intentional ECE Podcast, to explore the powerful role of art...
#196: Rethinking Circle Time: Connection Over Control
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your circle time built for compliance or connection? In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward invites educators to rethink traditi...
#195: Loose Parts in Early Childhood wih Angela Odusanya
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward sits down with Angela Odusanya - Registered Early Childhood Educator, Ontario Certified Teac...
#194: The Sensory Side of Behaviour
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if the behaviours we label as acting out were actually sensory cries for help?In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward pulls bac...
#193: Bringing Parents into Literacy Strategies with Melissa McCall
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do we foster a love of literacy in young children without drilling flashcards or forcing reading before they’re ready? In this inspiring episode...
#192: Reflective Practice: The Superpower of a Great Educator
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Carla Ward explores how reflective practice isn’t just a tool—it’s a transformative mindset that allows early childhood educato...
#191: Key Practices for a Successful Classroom Walkthrough with Katherine Hamilton
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Katherine Hamilton from Ensemble Learning joins Carla to talk about successful classroom walkthroughs that build trust, support educators, and impact ...
#190: The Art of Storytelling
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if storytime didn’t end when you closed the book?In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward invites you to reimagine how literac...
#189: The Power of Composition in Early Childhood with Margaret Quinn
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Carla and Dr. Margaret Quinn as they explore how children under six make meaning through writing. This episode breaks down Margaret’s fascinati...
#188: How to Conduct a Sensorial Audit in Your Program
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how to view your childcare program through a sensory lens. In this episode, Carla Ward guides you through a sensorial audit—what it is, why...
#187: Reimagining Belonging in ECE with Sally Haughey
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward is joined by the one and only Sally Haughey, founder of Fairy Dust Te...
#186: Your ECE Questions Answered
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, host Carla Ward answers real questions submitted by early childhood educators. From burnout and leaders...
#185: Regulation Through Nature with Amy-Reyes-Hauff
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, host Carla Ward is joined by early childhood education expert Amy Reyes-Hauff to explore the powerful c...
#184: Designing YES Spaces
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of her classroom environment series, Carla Ward dives into the concept of YES Spaces—learning environments intentionally design...
#183: Rooted in Wonder: The Power of Plants in Early Learning Spaces
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward explores the surprising power of plants in early learning environments. From purifying air t...
#182: Bright Ideas : How Lighting Transforms Learning Spaces
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward explores a part of early learning environments that’s often overlooked—but deeply impact...
#181: Hue Matters: The Role of Colour in Early Learning Environments
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Colour is more than just decoration—it influences mood, focus, and the overall energy of a learning environment. In this episode of The Everything E...
#180: Supporting Mental Health Through Dance with Ishaa Vinod Chopra
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with Ishaa Vinod Chopra, an early childhood educator and performing artist, to explore ...
#179: Rethinking Consequences
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward explores the difference between consequences and punishment in early childhood education. Sh...
#178: What is Quality Early Education and Who Gets to Decide with Emily Clark?
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward welcomes Emily Clark, a passionate PhD student in early childhood education with international tea...
#177: Breaks and Boundaries
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After returning from a much-needed getaway to Mexico, Carla Ward explores why boundaries and breaks are essential for Early Childhood Educators. In th...
#176: Tummy Time for Infants with Sherri Phillips
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward is joined by Sherri Phillips, a registered early childhood educator and postpartum doula, to...
#175: Strengthening Relationships with Families
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you think you were signing up to work just with children? Surprise! Families play a HUGE role in early childhood education, and building strong re...
#174: Building Early Math Foundations with Dr. Sara Delano Moore
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Math doesn’t have to be scary—it can be fun, engaging, and a natural part of everyday life! In this episode, Carla Ward chats with Dr. Sara Delano...
#173: Beyond Bubble Bath: The Real Work of Self-Care
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and candles—it’s about real, intentional practices that help you thrive, not just survive. In this episode of ...
#172: Manifesting Abundance and Empowering Educators with Hina Khan
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Carla welcomes Hina Khan, a former psychotherapist turned peak performance mindset coach, to discuss the power of manifestation and personal growth. H...
#171: Mentoring ECE Students with Kerry Drake
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Carla is joined by Kerry Drake to discuss the vital role of mentorship in early childhood education, highlighting its impact on educators' growth. Ker...
#170: Choosing Your 2025 Word
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Choosing a word for the year can be a powerful way to set your intentions and stay grounded throughout 2025. In this reflective episode of The Everyth...
#169: Post-Pandemic Preschoolers: Rebuilding Skills, Resilience, and Readiness with Dr. Cheryl LundySwift
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How has the pandemic shaped the literacy and motor skills of today’s preschoolers? Join Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift as she explores the startling decline...
#168: 5 Ways to Set a Child's Day Up For Success
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward shares five practical strategies to help children start their day on the right foot. Whether...
#167: How Extreme Weather Disrupts Early Education with Todd Grindal
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when a hurricane or wildfire interrupts a child's early education? For over 500,000 children enrolled in Head Start programs—40% of whi...
#166: Insights on Toddler Behaviour, Brain Development, and Play-Based Learning with Cathy Turalinski
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cathy Turalinski returns to share her extensive 40+ years of experience in early childhood education, focusing on the critical first five years of bra...
#165: ECE Podcasters Reveal Their Secrets on Mentorship and More!
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Carla Ward joins nine incredible podcasting educators who came together for a roundtable discussion to explore the vital themes of mentorship, self-ca...
#164: Revolutionizing Childcare Data with Dana Levin-Robinson
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dana Levin-Robinson, CEO and founder of Upfront, joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to discuss how she is transforming childcare access th...
#163: Supporting Children's Naps with Macall Gordon
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast as she talks with Macall Gordon, a specialist in sleep training children, about the importance of naps i...
#162: Play-Based Math with Maddie Pelz
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maddie Pelz, founder of Grow Into Math, joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to discuss the importance of play-based environments in allevia...
#161: Why Play? with Rae Pica
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Rae discusses the vital role of play in early childhood education and why it should be an essential part of every learning environme...
#160: Cultivating Leaders with Erica Saccoccio
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Erica Saccoccio, a Rhode Island childcare owner, shares insights from her experience managing three centres and hosting the "Childcare Directors Chair...
#159: Supporting School Age Programs with Jamie-Lee Wagler
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jamie Wagler joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to discuss the crucial role of school-age educators. She explores the high turnover rates...
#158: An Alternative ECE Program with Marlo Humiski of LDS
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Carla Ward interviews Marlo Humiski from Learn, Develop, Succeed (LDS), a nonprofit in BC dedicated to supporting families with learning disabilities....
#157: Anti-Bias Education in Early Childhood Spaces with Dr. Jasmine Moses
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Host Carla Ward interviews Dr. Jasmine Moses, an expert in anti-bias early childhood education, discussing the importance of inclusivity in early lear...
#156: Systems and How Someone Disqualifies Themselves from a Position with Beth Cannon
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Host Carla Ward engages with leadership strategist Beth Cannon to explore self-disqualification in early childhood education. They discuss the importa...
#155: Introducing Anji Play with Jesse Robert Coffino
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Carla Ward hosts a discussion with Jesse, CEO of Anji Education, on the transformative Anji Play philosophy in early childhood education. This approac...
#154: Understanding the Role of The College of ECE with Kristine Parsons
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Carla Ward hosts The Everything ECE Podcast with Kristine Parsons from the College of Early Childhood Educators in Ontario, discussing the College's v...
#153: Innovative Childcare Spaces with Alex Carnio of ProducKIDvity
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward sits down with Alex Carnio, CEO of Productivity, to explore an innovative childcare model th...
#152: Broadening Horizons: Travel, Diversity, and Inclusion in Early Childhood Literature with 'Iolani Bullock
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Carla Ward hosts the Everything ECE podcast featuring 'Iolani Bullock, who discusses her children's book "Little Lenox Takes Flight," which encourages...
#151: Autonomous Eaters: Embracing Self-Serve Lunch
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Carla Ward explores the concept of self-serve lunches for children, emphasizing the importance of fostering independence and confidence. The discussio...
#150: Outdoor Learning with Lisa MacKay of The ECC
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Carla Ward and Lisa MacKay explore the vital role of outdoor learning in early childhood education, emphasizing its benefits for children's well-bein...
#149: Ethical Dilemmas in ECE with Taylor Aiyadurai of The ECC
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore ethical dilemmas in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with Taylor Aiyadurai on the Everything ECE podcast. Learn about common challenges like ba...
#148: Breaking Down Barriers with Tammy Kelly of The ECC
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Carla Ward and Tammy Kelly from Early Childhood Coach team discuss breaking down barriers beyond physical ones on the Everything ECE podcast. Tammy sh...
#147: Infant and Early Mental Health with Sophie Rayner-Grignon of The ECC
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Educators understand that the period from 0 to 6 years old is crucial for a child's development. This time frame is characterized by rapid growth and ...
#146: Continuing to Rethink Weapon Play
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Carla Ward, host of The Everything ECE Podcast, and special guest Kisa Marx as they continue the insightful conversation from episode #145 on ret...
#145: Rethinking Weapon Play with Samuel Broaden
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Weapon play in Early Childhood Education is a controversial topic, to say the least. In this episode Carla Ward and Samuel Broaden come at this topic ...
#144: Teaching Financial Literacy in ECE with Anthony Delauney
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Everything ECE Podcast, host, Carla Ward welcomes Anthony Delauney, the financial "dadvisor." Anthony is a father of two, a Cer...
#143: 5 Ways to Develop Autonomy in Children
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast as she discusses a critical aspect of early childhood education: giving children autonomy. Carla explain...
#142: Supporting Left-Handed Learners
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore practical strategies and insights for creating an inclusive learning environment for left-handed learners in early childhood education on The ...
#141: Navigating Risk and Challenge in Child Care with Katie-Lynn Parkinson of ECCDC
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Carla Ward is joined by Katie-Lynn Parkinson of ECCDC to dive into the crucial topic of risk and challenge in early learning progra...
#140: Rhyming Colossal Words with Colette Hiller
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into the world of rhyme and colossal words for kids with host Carla Ward and special guest Colette Hiller on The Everything ECE Podcast! Join Car...
#139: Ditching the Copycat Crafts Mindset with Faigie Kobre
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Everything ECE Podcast, host Carla Ward is joined by special guest Faigie Kobre, a seasoned early childhood educator passionate about...
#138: The STEAM of PLAY with Susie Beghin
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Susie Beghin joins Carla Ward on the podcast to explore the exciting realm of STEAM in Early Childhood Education. As they chat, you can alm...
#137: Tech in ECE with Jamee Herbert of Bridgecare
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jamee Herbert joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to talk tech and putting systems in place to lighten the burden on Early Childhood Educat...
#136: The Dark Connection Between Early Childhood and Serial Killers
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into the chilling connection between childhood experiences and serial killers in our latest podcast episode! From early trauma to criminal behavi...
#135: Verbs as Projects with Heather Jackson
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Heather Jackson, owner of The Sunflower School, joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to discuss verbs as projects. As a Reggio-inspired educ...